Wallace & Gromit in Barbour? Two of our favourite British brands have reunited for the most nostalgic Christmas advert

It’s a big week for Christmas adverts. On Tuesday, John Lewis unveiled its 2026 offering, starring Kristin Scott Thomas and a toy dog called Pickles, as well as, according to the internet, a couple of very ‘spoilt’ children. Meanwhile, Marks & Spencer has teased on Instagram that we’ll be heading to the North Pole in its advert, which is dropping on Friday.And it’s not just retail giants getting into the festive spirit. Designer brands have been getting involved, too. Prada has charmed us with some very Disney-esque hand-drawn illustrations in its holiday campaign, while Gucci managed to get none other than the ‘Queen of Christmas’ herself, Mariah Carey, to star in its festive advert.But our favourite offering of the season so far was released this morning, and comes courtesy of two quintessentially British names: Barbour and animation studio Aardman. Yes, that’s the creative force behind some of our favourite childhood characters, including the much-loved nostalgic duo Wallace & Gromit, as well as Shaun the Sheep and his flock.And honestly? I’m not sure you could find a more perfect pairing. Barbour has reunited with Aardman for another Christmas film starring Wallace and GromitFollowing the success of last year’s collaboration, Barbour has reunited with Aardman for another Christmas film starring Wallace and Gromit. This time, the unlikely duo are heading out for a traditional Christmas walk in the British countryside, complete with snow-covered fields, cosy knitwear and, naturally, a little mechanical mishap along the way.The film opens with Gromit getting the house ready for Christmas, surrounded by twinkling lights, presents and tartan decorations. It’s all wonderfully wholesome, and immediately gave me that warm, fuzzy feeling that only a Wallace & Gromit Christmas special can.Wallace soon arrives with a present for his four-legged best friend: a Barbour Sylkoil Wax Dog Coat (£54.95), which he rather enthusiastically presents as being ‘for walkies!’. I mean, if you’re going to spoil your dog this Christmas, you might as well do it properly.The pair then head outside to test Wallace’s latest invention, the rather brilliantly named Walk-o-matic. The contraption combines Wallace’s beloved living room chair with oversized wheels made from Barbour Nimbus Chelsea Welly Boots (£69.95), theoretically allowing him to enjoy a lovely countryside stroll without having to take a single step. Genius, obviously. Although, if you’ve ever watched Wallace & Gromit, you’ll probably be able to guess that things don’t quite go to plan.As the pair make their way through the snowy landscape, the invention inevitably malfunctions, sending Wallace flying straight into a rather sizeable mound of snow. Luckily, Gromit is on hand to save the day – and, in a particularly lovely festive moment, presents Wallace with his own Christmas gift: a Barbour Cotton Half Knit Zipped Jumper (£99.95), wrapped up in tartan.It’s the sort of thoughtful present that feels particularly fitting for the occasion, and one that I’d quite happily find under my own Christmas tree. Barbour’s heritage tartan is woven throughout the filmOf course, while the storyline is charming, it’s the styling that really caught my attention. Barbour’s heritage tartan is woven throughout the film, from the characters’ accessories to the festive decorations, giving the whole thing a distinctly British countryside feel. And if there’s one thing Barbour knows how to do, it’s make practical outerwear look effortlessly stylish.The brand has been a fixture in British wardrobes for generations, and its iconic wax jackets are one of those rare fashion buys that never seem to date. Whether worn with jeans and wellies for a countryside walk or thrown over a chunky knit and tailored trousers for a more city-friendly look, they’re the sort of pieces that have a permanent place in my autumn and winter wardrobe.While Barbour has expanded well beyond its famous outerwear – offering everything from knitwear and dresses to footwear and accessories – it’s that unmistakable heritage aesthetic that keeps drawing us back.And that’s perhaps why this collaboration works so well. Neither Barbour nor Aardman needs to reinvent itself to appeal to a new generation. Both have built their reputations on craftsmanship, character and a certain British charm, and bringing them together feels genuinely nostalgic without being stuck in the past.There are also a few extra treats for fans of Aardman’s characters. Shaun the Sheep and his flock make a rather brilliant cameo towards the end of the film, bringing together two of the studio’s most beloved creations. It’s a small detail, but one that I suspect will make plenty of viewers smile.And if you’re already eyeing up the pieces featured in the film, there’s more to look forward to. Barbour is launching a limited-edition Christmas capsule collection of Wallace & Gromit-inspired accessories, including knitted scarves, hats, caps, tote bags, key fobs and a dog coat. The collection will be available from December at Barbour.com and selected retailers.Even better, the brand is also bringing back its re-loved Wallace & Gromit wax jackets, following the success of last year’s limited-edition run. This time, the collection has expanded to include re-loved scarves and dog coats, with all proceeds going to Oxfam. A rather lovely excuse to indulge in a little festive shopping, if you ask me.But ultimately, it’s the film itself that has won me over. In a year when Christmas advertising can sometimes feel like a competition to secure the biggest celebrity cameo or the most elaborate production, there’s something refreshing about a story that keeps things simple.A snowy countryside walk, a slightly disastrous invention, a thoughtful Christmas present and two familiar faces we’ve loved for years. Sometimes, that’s all you really need to get into the festive spirit.Warm wishes, indeed.